(SeaPRwire) –   According to Israeli national security sources, Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is little more than an “empty entity” who does not lead the regime.

The son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—who was killed in a targeted Israeli strike on Feb. 28—is also connected to what officials describe as a “misfunctioning” regime.

“The new leader is an empty entity,” Kobi Michael, a defense analyst with the Institute for National Security Studies and the Misgav Institute, told Digital.

“Mojtaba Khamenei stays out of public view, but we also have credible information that he neither controls nor leads the regime—or what remains of it.

“The current Iranian leadership is fractured, disoriented and nearly misfunctioning.”

Per leaked audio obtained by The Telegraph, Mojtaba narrowly avoided death when his father was killed on Feb. 28—he left the compound for a walk just minutes before an Israeli missile strike.

The audio, said to be from a March 12 meeting, unveiled details about the strikes that also killed several members of the Khamenei family.

Mazaher Hosseini, head of protocol for Khamenei’s office, is purportedly heard in the audio telling senior leaders that Mojtaba suffered “a minor injury to his leg.” 

Since being appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba has not made any public appearances. Instead, a message from him was read on Iranian state TV, warning of ongoing strikes and calling on Gulf nations to close U.S. bases.

Other reports alleged Mojtaba was in critical condition or even comatose, though Iranian officials have maintained the new supreme leader is in good health.

On Wednesday, Mojtaba Khamenei pledged revenge following the Israeli strike that killed senior security official Ali Larijani.

“Such acts of terror only reflect the enemies’ hostility and will bolster the Islamic nation’s resolve. Justice will undoubtedly be served,” the statement read.

Larijani—one of Iran’s top security figures—was killed after Israeli intelligence allegedly tracked him and other officials to the outskirts of Tehran.

Per the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), other senior figures have also died in recent strikes, including Basij militia leader Gholamreza Soleimani.

“This isn’t a new phase—it’s a continuing, highly successful and impressive effort, and a key part of the strategy to weaken the Iranian regime,” Michael said regarding the ongoing strikes targeting regime figures.

“This is to the point where it won’t be able to rebuild itself or once again become a severe threat and destabilizing force in the wider Middle East.”

Following the initial U.S.-Israeli strikes, President Donald Trump told the Iranian people their “moment of freedom” had arrived.

“When we’re done, take over your government—it will be yours for the taking,” Trump said, implying the U.S. would assist in toppling the Iranian regime.

“At the same time, by weakening the regime and paralyzing its overall capabilities—particularly its domestic control—the U.S. and Israel are creating the necessary conditions for the Iranian people to overthrow the regime,” Michael added.

“This is the ultimate victory in their view, and the path to that goal is to maximize damage wherever possible.”